Sharks are being seen again on the reef off the village of Naidiri in Fiji. In an AFP feature published on 17 October, residents say the animals returned this year after decades of absence. Since 2009, the village has protected part of its traditional fishing grounds, combining fishing closures with the restoration of coral habitats.
Concern over catches led to a conservation project
Co-founder Manoa Duwai had noticed that catches were getting smaller and fewer fish were taking the bait. Together with the village community, he worked to close part of the reef to fishing. For the fewer than 150 residents, the sea is an important source of food and income.
A youth group has taken responsibility for the project since 2011. According to both AFP and Fiji Sun, the community planted around 18,000 corals and 10,000 mangroves in 2023 alone. Its work therefore covers habitats both at sea and along the coast.
The sharks’ return is an observation by residents
Duwai and the youth group’s leader describe the shark sightings as an encouraging sign. The reports do not specify which species have returned or how many animals use the area. Nor do they provide a standardised population survey.
The observations are consistent with a reef whose habitats and fish stocks are recovering in the view of those involved. On their own, however, they do not establish the respective roles of fishing restrictions, coral planting or other changes in the sharks’ return.
Storm surges undo some of the work
Progress remains vulnerable. On 6 October, Fiji Sun reported on storm surges that had destroyed coral frames and clam cages. The young people are rebuilding damaged structures and advocating an expansion of the protected area. The report describes that request but does not confirm that an expansion has already been approved.
Naidiri thus illustrates both the possibilities and the limits of community-led marine conservation. Repeated, documented observations are particularly valuable for shark protection: over time, they can help turn individual sightings into a more reliable picture of how sharks use the reef.